As Florida transitions into the Jon Sumrall era, the Gators’ roster is undergoing a significant shakeup. With the NCAA transfer portal officially opening from January 2 to January 16, 2026, a wave of Florida players has already announced their intentions to explore new opportunities. It’s a mix of high-profile names, developmental prospects, and depth contributors - all part of the growing trend of roster fluidity in college football.
Let’s break down the key departures and what they mean for the program.
DJ Lagway - Quarterback, Sophomore (2024 Signing Class)
This one stings.
Lagway was once the crown jewel of Florida’s 2024 class - a five-star talent with the kind of arm strength and athleticism that gets NFL scouts watching early. But after an up-and-down 2025 season, Lagway is on the move.
Whether it was scheme fit, development, or just a fresh start, his departure leaves a major question mark at the most important position on the field. Florida's quarterback room just got a lot thinner, and finding the next guy becomes priority No. 1 for Sumrall’s staff.
Jordan Castell - Safety, Senior (2022 Signing Class)
Castell brought stability to the back end of Florida’s defense for three years, starting 34 games.
That kind of experience doesn’t grow on trees. He was a steady presence in a secondary that saw its share of ups and downs, and his leadership will be missed just as much as his playmaking.
Expect teams in need of a veteran safety to come calling quickly.
Aidan Mizell - Wide Receiver, Redshirt Sophomore (2023 Signing Class)
Mizell’s Florida career never really got off the ground the way many hoped.
Injuries slowed him down, but when healthy, he flashed the speed and route-running that made him a coveted recruit. He’s a classic “change-of-scenery” candidate - someone who could thrive in a different offensive system with a clean bill of health.
Kahnen "KD" Daniels - Running Back, Redshirt Freshman (2024 Signing Class)
Daniels is a name to watch.
A four-star recruit with serious upside, he’s looking for a bigger role than he had in Gainesville. With Florida’s backfield crowded and touches hard to come by, Daniels is betting on himself - and he could be a breakout player wherever he lands.
Amir Jackson - Tight End, Redshirt Freshman (2024 Signing Class)
Jackson’s time at Florida was mostly spent on special teams, but he came in with high expectations.
A four-star signee, he’s got the tools - size, athleticism, hands - to develop into a real weapon. He’ll be an intriguing pickup for programs looking to bolster their tight end room.
Michai Boireau - Defensive Lineman, Sophomore (2024 Signing Class)
Boireau is one of the more notable losses on the defensive side.
He started nine games in 2025 and showed flashes of being a disruptive force up front. With his size and upside, he’s going to draw plenty of interest.
Losing a young, developing starter on the defensive line is never ideal, especially for a team looking to build toughness in the trenches.
Devon Manuel - Offensive Tackle, Senior (2021 Signing Class)
Manuel’s time in Gainesville was marred by injuries, but he still has one year of eligibility left. A veteran presence with SEC experience, he could be a valuable depth piece - or even a starter - for a team needing help at tackle.
Noel Portnjagin - Offensive Lineman, Redshirt Freshman (2024 Signing Class)
Portnjagin came to Florida as an international prospect from Germany.
He didn’t see much action, but his size and raw potential make him an interesting developmental project. He’s still early in his football journey, and another program may take a chance on his upside.
Tank Hawkins - Wide Receiver, Redshirt Freshman (2024 Signing Class)
Hawkins made the decision to opt out mid-season to preserve his redshirt, signaling this move was likely coming. He’s a speedster with upside, and in the right system, he could blossom into a productive slot option.
Teddy Foster - Defensive Back, Redshirt Freshman (2024 Signing Class)
Foster was primarily a depth piece and special teams contributor. While he didn’t crack the rotation in a meaningful way, he’s still young and could find a bigger role elsewhere.
Muizz Tounkara - Wide Receiver, True Freshman (2025 Signing Class)
Tounkara didn’t waste any time - he announced his intention to transfer shortly after the season ended. It’s a quick exit, and while he didn’t have a major role in 2025, he’s another young receiver looking for a clearer path to playing time.
Grayson Howard - Linebacker, Third-Year (Transfer from South Carolina, 2024 Portal)
Howard came in with experience and expectations, but injuries derailed his 2025 campaign. He’s shown he can play at the SEC level when healthy, and teams in need of linebacker help will be watching his recovery closely.
Naeshaun Montgomery - Wide Receiver, Redshirt Freshman (2025 Signing Class)
Montgomery is another young receiver with promise. He’s looking for more opportunity and could be a sneaky-good addition for a program willing to invest in his development.
Eugene Wilson III - Wide Receiver, Junior (2023 Signing Class)
Wilson’s talent has never been in question.
A former five-star recruit, he showed flashes of brilliance early in his career. But injuries have been the story lately, limiting his impact.
If he can stay healthy, he’s got the skillset to be a difference-maker.
Marcus Mascoll - Offensive Lineman, Redshirt Freshman (2025 Signing Class)
Mascoll didn’t see the field much, but he adds to the growing list of young offensive linemen leaving the program. Depth in the trenches is always valuable, and Mascoll could find a new home where he has a better shot at cracking the rotation.
Tarvorise Brown - Defensive Lineman, Redshirt Sophomore (2024 Signing Class)
Brown was a depth player on the defensive line, and while he didn’t see a ton of action, he’s another name in a position group that’s seeing notable turnover.
Final Thoughts
Florida’s roster turnover isn’t surprising given the coaching change, but the volume - and the talent involved - is significant.
From former five-stars to intriguing developmental pieces, the Gators are losing a wide cross-section of players. For Jon Sumrall, this is both a challenge and an opportunity.
The portal taketh, but it also giveth - and how Florida reloads in the coming weeks will go a long way in shaping the early stages of the Sumrall era in Gainesville.